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celebrazzi (celebrations-paparazzi)
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aster Grand Marshals XII Gary Vandeventer and Elizabeth Bouvier led the 12th and largest Gay Easter Parade with thirty carriages, two bands, three walking groups and six vehicles through the streets of the French Quarter on Easter Sunday. The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends which will receive $30,362.42, the largest amount ever raised in this parade's history. Over the past ten years the parade has benefited charities with over $111,187. For additional information, visit GayEasterParade.COM.
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roprietors Chuck Turner and Bill Miller celebrated the 20th Anniversary of 4 Seasons in Metairie with a weekend of activities. Saturday brought complimentary cocktails, buffet and an anniversary show with Big Mama, Coca and guests. It was Surf & Turf Sunday with 400 pounds of boiled crawfish and grilled steaks with all the fixings while enjoying the music of DJ Gage on the club's all new air conditioned patio.
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aster Grand Marshal XII Elizabeth Bouvier, Gay Easter Parade Board's Rona Conners and Tony Leggio, Easter Grand Marshal XII Gary Vandeventer and Mayor's Liaison Larry Bagneris celebrate at the 2nd annual Bunnies In The Big Easy with the presentation of Mayoral Certificates to the Grand Marshals. Hosted at Harrah's Masquerade Club, the event raised $6,790 for the Gay Easter Parade and Food For Friends.
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C Tiffany Alexander and Miss Gay Louisiana American Zhane Kennedy present Miss Vieux Carre' America 1st Alternate Valerie Sugarbaker and winner Yay-sha Alexander along with outgoing queen Tami Tarmac and MC Nicole DuBois at the Miss Vieux Carre' America Pageant hosted at the Bourbon Pub and Parade in New Orleans.
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n celebration of the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Princess Catherine, the Krewe of Queenateenas and King Cake Queen Royalty Club hosted the Royal Wedding Crown Reception inviting the royalty, captains and guests of Gay Mardi Gras krewes to the private apartments of Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain on the upper levels of the Ambush Mansion. They were greeted on the second floor landing where King Cake Queen VII Opal Masters announced each guest and their title. Darwin Reed then presented each guest with a commemorative pin which read "Royal Wedding, 29th April, 2011, William & Kate, Westminster Abbey-London". Once their cocktails were made, they proceeded to the Victorian Parlor for their official portrait. From there, it was off to the dining room for "The Queen's Choice" including Beef Balls in Wellington Sauce, Quail Eggs with Watercress Aioli, Royal Tea Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Smoked Scottish Salmon Pate Pyramid, Selections of British Cheese, Fresh Fruit Bouquet with Chocolate, and Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding with Royal Cream Cheese Frosting. Once on the balcony, guests waved to the crowd forming below and often times were urged to "kiss, kiss" just as William and Kate had done from the balcony at Buckingham Palace. The street crowd could not get enough of all the party guests adorned in crowns, jewels and badges of honor, all while the bells of St. Louis Cathedral rang out on the hour. King Cake Queen XV Marsha and her king Rip gathered the 40 guests in the dining room for the "wedding toast". Both Darwin Reed and Tony Leggio filled the champagne flutes with selections from some 60 bottles of the bubbly given to the couple on various occasions. Below are some of the guests visible from the doorway toasting both Prince William and Princess Catherine as well as party hosts King Rip and Queen Marsha.
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he 17th annual Trailer Park Beauty Pageant hosted at Good Friends Bar in New Orleans culminated with the presentation of 2nd runner-up Little MM, 1st runner-up Lady Hagatha, Miss Trailer Park 17 Delicious joined by outgoing queen 16 Tutu Sugarich.
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paparazzi
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12th Gay Easter Parade raises $30,362.42 for Food For Friends ~ New Orleans
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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
30,000 Line the Streets for 12th Gay Easter Parade Raising Over $30,000 for Food For Friends
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he 12th Gay Easter Parade rolled through the streets of the French Quarter bringing some 30,000 spectators on Easter Sunday, April 24th. This was the largest parade to date with thirty carriages, two bands, three walking groups and six vehicles. Led by Easter Grand Marshals XII Gary Vandeventer and Elizabeth Bouvier, the success of this year's 5-week run up to Easter with five great fundraisers allows the Gay Easter Parade to donate $30,362.42 to Food For Friends, an amazing feat in just five weeks. The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends, a vital program of the NO/AIDS Task Force, and over $111,187 has been raised for charity the past ten years. The Gay Easter Parade has grown so much that it now joins the likes of Southern Decadence, Gay Mardi Gras and Halloween making New Orleans a top destination over the Easter holiday attracting GLBT travelers. The parade was presented by Ambush Mag, LSGRA, Harrah's New Orleans, and Friday Night Before Mardi Gras. The Sponsors fundraising drive spearheaded by EMGs Gary and Elizabeth brought in 84 sponsors raising $20,553, the largest sponsorships to date. The parade raised $39,483.70 minus expenses $9,121.28 making its donation to Food For Friends at $30,362.42 this year. Monies raised included: $20,553-Sponsorships $361-1st Sponsorship Kickoff Party $1,172-Pink Party/2nd Eggstravaganza $3,610-10th Drag Extravaganza $1,839-9th Spring Fever $3,677-12th Purple Party $6,790-2nd Bunnies In The Big Easy $250-Vehicle/Walking Group Parade Entry Fees $776.70-Food For Friends Parade Day Collections $455-Parade Day Donation from Club New Orleans $39,483.70/Total Revenues Expenses included: $48.93-Wristbands/Sponsorship Kickoff Party $389.60-Eggstravaganza Shuttle $100-DJ/Drag Extravaganza $250-DJ/Bunnies In The Big Easy $1,095 Carriages $3,837.50-Insurance $1,375-Police Detail $50.25-Parade Permit $1,975-Bands $9,121.28/Total Expenses The Board of Directors of the Gay Easter Parade would like to thank its Presenting, Platinum, Gold, Bronze, and Venue/In-Kind Sponsors, as well as all of the businesses and individuals for donating great auction and basket prizes, the many performers donating their talents, and to all who participated in the various events making this all possible for Food For Friends. Parade Sponsors included:
Platinum ($1,000)-EGM XII Elizabeth Bouvier, John Vignone & Paul Chiriaco/JohnPaul's; Gold ($500)-EGM XII Gary Vandeventer & Tim Lott, Rhonda & David Roget, Deja Deja-Vue' & Jim May, Krewe of Amon-Ra, Misael Rubio/ Quartermaster, Stuart Nettles & EGM IX Safonda Peters, Lord King & Consort XVIII Ben Bourgeois & Pat Johnson, Michael Ducote/Mona Lisa Restaurant, EGM IV Electra City & EGM XI Tittie Toulouse, In Memory of Marcy Marcell courtesy Bill Miller, Todd J. Blauvelt; Silver ($250)-Dwain Hertz - Al Dugas & Gene Theriot, JoAnn Guidos & Lisa Thomas/Kajun’s Pub, EGM VII Opal Masters & Darwin Reed, EGM VIII Rona Conners & Bob Boler, King & Queen Petronius L Jimmy deBlanc & Bootsie DeVille, Bebe Scarpinato & Chris Linwood, George Tresch, EGM VIII Michael Elias & Jay Sewell/The Corner Pocket, Darrin - Robbie & 'Lil Debbie, Big Mama/Jerry Miller, Jr., Wood Enterprises, Oz, Phoenix/Eagle, In Memory of Marcy Marcell courtesy Purple Party guests; Bronze ($100)-EGM X Tony Leggio, Bruce Orgeron, Dawn Leggio, Starr Daniels & Justin Moffatt, Nina M. Clore, Don Dubay & Rusty Downing,
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Mark Givens/Givens Graphix, Barbara Ella, Darlene & Harvey Mallory, Randy Chauvin/Designer's Workroom, David Aranda & Daryl Dunaway, Vince & Ron Randazzo/Gallagher, Jay Cooper & Gizelle Bouvier, EGM IX Orlando Aloe/ Society Page, Bobby Vallecillo & Andy Ehlers, Anonymous, Michael Albracht, Jill Dolese, Glenn O'Berry & Roger Copenhaver, Craig Nero/Who Dat Coffee Cafe, FourPlay, Thomas Schoonenberg, Michael Strickland, King Amon-Ra XLIV Nick Olivares & Roy G. Smith, Mickey N. Hebert/Mickey Nolan Salon, Michael Sullivan, Lee Worrells; and Venue/In Kind-4 Seasons, 700 Club, Billy's, Cutter’s, Double Play, JohnPaul's, Michael’s On The Park, 42Below Vodka, Martini & Rossi Wines. The Gay Easter Parade Board of Directors includes: Electra City, Rona Conners, Tony Leggio, Opal Masters, Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, and Tittie Toulouse. Past Grand Marshals include EGMs I Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, II Larry Bagneris and the late Miss Do Moreland, III Timm Holt and Teryl-Lynn Foxx, IV George Simons and Electra City, V Brett Messmer and Princesse Stephaney, VI James Swire and Lisa Beaumann, VII the late Doc Reed and Opal Masters, VIII Michael Elias and Rona Conners, IX Orlando Aloe and Safonda Peters, X Tony Leggio and the late Marcy Marcell, and XI Chuck Turner and Tittie Toulouse. For information, visit Gay EasterParade.COM.
International Mr. Leather 2011 Send-Off Party
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ome out and show your support for Mr. Louisiana Leather 2011 Troy Powell as he prepares to compete in the 33rd International Mr. Leather contest in Chicago over Memorial Day Weekend. The send-off party, scheduled for Saturday, May 21, beginning at 10pm at the Phoenix, will include a special leather market featuring a variety of sexy merchandise, boot black, great raffle prizes, drink specials and jello shots.
Memorial Day Wknd. Issue out May 24th DEADLINE: Tues., May 17th
celebrazzi 4 gay easter parade paparazzi 6 letters, commentary 12 trodding the boards 14 pensacola dish 16 pensacola paparazzi 18 gay easter parade paparazzi 20 pre & post-gep party paparazzi 22 chop chop/nola restaurant guide 26 bunnies in the big easy paparazzi 28 bunny hop paparazzi 28
ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie classifieds acadiana paparazzi/lafayette acadiana happens/lafayette under the gaydar obituaries out & about in mobile baton rouge mobile paparazzi ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie royal wedding paparazzi
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Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Troy Powell with 64 Baskets collected for the children served by St. Anna's Episcopal Church @ JohnPaul's About 400 gay leathermen gathered in Chicago in 1979 for the first International Mr. Leather contest. To[continued on 10]
THE OFFICIAL MAG
Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Official Gay New Orleans Guide Official Southern Decadence Guide OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 ANNUAL READERSHIP: 650,000+ in print/3.5 Million+ On-line NATIONAL CIRCULATION: USA... Alabama-Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell Mississippi - Biloxi, Hattiesburg Texas - Austin
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the "official" dish ...from 8 day the event has grown to be an annual tradition attracting thousands of leather enthusiasts and dozens of contestants from around the world. Over the years Louisiana’s representative in the contest has frequently finished in the top ten, competing against hot leathermen from around the nation, as well as competitors from Canada, England, France, Germany, Holland, and other countries. Proceeds from the raffle at the May 21 send-off party go to the Mr. Louisiana Leather Travel Fund. There is no cover charge for this event, so put on your best leather (or come as you are) and come help give Troy a great send-off.
Annual MASCARa Race set for Memorial Day Weekend in New Orleans May 27-30
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n Memorial Day 2000 Wood Enterprises held the most unique and fun drag race on or off the circuit. Eight brave men and their pit crews gathered at the Clover Grill for the start of the race. The gun sounded and the race began with the contestants gobbling down an order of chili cheese fries. When they finished this leg of the race they ran across the street to Café Lafitte In Exile where they put on panty hose and high heel shoes, which had to be at least three inches (yes there was someone there with a ruler), with the help of their pit crew. Once they completed this task they revved their engines with a shot of peppermint schnapps and headed for the third lap. It was down Dumaine Street to Burgundy and on to the Rawhide. Here the pit crews helped the contestants put on jewelry consisting of earrings, a bracelet, and two rings. After this they cooled their fueling system with a seven ounce Bud Light before heading to Good Friends, and lap four. At Good Friends make-up was applied, which consisted of foundation, lips, eyes (including eye lashes) and painted fingernails. They then shifted gears with a six ounce Separator, then retouched their make-up and proceeded to lap five. Once they made their way up St. Ann Street to the Bourbon Pub, the pit crews fitted them with breasts and a bra. They then grabbed a hat and purse from the crew, and resparked their plugs with a two ounce Mind Eraser. At lap six, in the Oz, they were placed into a floor length evening gown and got their final refueling with a six ounce Daiquiri. They were now ready for the home stretch. They ran down Bourbon Street to the finish line back at the Clover Grill. Here they entered through the Dumaine Street door donning their wig and hat and exited through the Bourbon Street door.
Here they were inspected to ensure that they had met all the requirements of each lap. There were two trophies awarded, one for fastest time and the other for best drag. The event was put together by the Wood Enterprises staff, with the assistance of Budweiser, in one week. With no advertising other than A Pit Stop @ signs in each of the lap locations, the success was amazing. Each year the event draws more participants and more people crowding the streets to watch the show. This year's event promises to be even bigger and better with events surrounding the race all weekend long. Friday, May 27, Good Friends Bar at the corner of St. Ann and Dauphine Streets will hold the Hamster Derby beginning at 6pm. One can bet on the races using Hamster Bucks which can be purchased at the betting booth. These Hamster Bucks can be used later at the charity auction with prizes that have been donated by local retailers. Prior to the Derby enjoy the prerace barbeque prepared by the manager of the bar. Saturday, May 28 the Balcony Bar will host the first annual Red Bean wrestling. Watch as our contestants go at it in a big tub of New Orleans favorite meal. Sunday, May 29, Rawhide, located [continued on 12]
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commentary
e-mail, letters
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n behalf of the board and staff of NO/AIDS Task Force and the men, women and families affected by HIV/AIDS that we serve, I’d like to thank everyone who helped make the 12th annual Gay Easter Parade a success. This year, you helped raise $30,362.42 for our Food For Friends program, which provides pantry services and home delivered meals to men and women living and coping with HIV disease. I’d like to especially thank Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, without whom, the Gay Easter Parade would not be possible. I would also like to extend my gratitude to this year’s Grand Marshals Elizabeth Bouvier and Gary Vandeventer who worked tirelessly to make this year’s Gay Easter Parade the most successful yet. Additionally, thank you to the Board of Directors of the Gay Easter Parade: Electra City, Rona Conners, Tony Leggio, Opal Masters and Tittie Toulouse, for all of their hard work and fundraising efforts. Finally, to everyone who donated their time or money to the Gay Easter Parade or any of the fundraising events, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude. To see the outpouring of support from our community every year bolsters us in the ongoing battle against HIV and AIDS Over the past ten years, the Gay Easter Parade, due to the efforts of thousands in our community, has helped raise over $111,000. Thank you all so much for your hard work and for continuing to support NO/AIDS Task Force and Food For Friends. Sincerely,
Noel Twilbeck, CEO, NO/AIDS Task Force
the "official" dish ...from 10 at the corner of St. Ann and Burgundy will host the annual Crawfish Boil at 5pm. They brag that they make the best crawfish in the South. The race itself will be held Monday, May 30 at Clover Grill promptly at 2pm. In 2002 Wood Enterprises decided to turn the Mascara Race into a fundraising event so that not only could people have fun, but the proceeds would help a worthy cause. All contestants are asked to get sponsors to donate money. The NOCCA Institute was chosen as the recipient of the
moneys. In the past seven years more that $80,000 has been raised for this very worthy charity. The NOCCA Institute is the non-profit organization that supports NOCCA Riverfront. There are now three categories: Fastest Time, Best Drag and Most Money Raised. Contestants will be awarded points in each category with a trophy being awarded in each category. The person who receives the most points will be declared Ms. Mascara 2011. The award ceremony will be held later that day, at 5pm at Rawhide, located at 740 Burgundy Street.
Surprise: The King of LGBT Media is Your Local LGBT Publication by Mark Segal he king of LGBT media is your local LGBT publication. Just like the one you’re reading right now. That might come as a surprise to those who think that websites are where all the traffic is. This is not, by any means, a negative statement on LGBT blogs. They are fun, informative and some provide a good service. But here are the facts and this is where reality hits the road. Most of the blogs, like local LGBT newspapers, were started with a purpose — some political, some fun and some to further a viewpoint. But few were started with actual journalists or writing professionals, and fewer with media business savvy. They operate with very little expenses and very few employees. You would think that with low overhead and few salaries to pay, they’d make enough money to survive and thrive. But many of them keep their material fresh with volunteers or by pumping the comments section. The real problem is that, with little staff and volunteers, what they generated for the most part were the same stories being run by most other websites. They might have a different angle on the story, but it still was the same. The other problem was lack of sales to allow them the time to develop to sustain themselves in a changing business environment. It’s not easy to have a business plan when your platform is constantly changing. But you cannot underestimate the impact of a lack of professional standards, which can lead to legal problems. This was not only a problem for websites: It was also a contributing factor in the demise of Window Media, the former parent company of Washington Blade and HX magazine. The publication you are reading now, along with Bay Area Reporter in San Francisco, OutFront Colorado, Dallas Voice, Georgia Voice, L.A.’s Frontiers and a few others, all have something in common. We’ve been around long enough that our communities know and trust us and know what to expect from a professional publication. We are also a vibrant part of the community, something hard to do in a virtual world. All those publications mentioned have more than 10 full-time employees apiece, which adds to the local economy. Some of us have more full-time employees than the national blogs combined. Many of them are seasoned veterans. Additionally, local publications not only have a dedicated readership of print, they also have those materials on the web. Therefore, savvy advertisers know they could get the best of both worlds by advertising with their local publications. And that is what they continue to do. And national advertisers are learning that local gay publications and their respective websites bring buyers to their doors. This column comes as news of the demise of Queerty, one of my favorite sites, breaks, and talk that two others of national renown are considering closing their portals. That continued evolution also has print attempting to find its niche on the web. The New York Times is trying one way while The Wall Street Journal tries another. Web media, LGBT or mainstream, is now the most competitive media there is since literally thousands are created each day. Here’s a detail that few seem to realize: It’s a competitive world out there and the most competitive business environment is not print but the web. There is no competition for LGBT local print media from the web. The web competes with itself.
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Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s mostaward-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached atmark@epgn.com.
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
On the Air at the Stage Door Canteen/National WWII Museum through June 26
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n the Air, the newest show at the National WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen, is an affectionate recreation of a local radio broad cast set on Mother’s Day 1945. Sean Patterson’s knowing script posits a tight family of performers made up of a grumpy but tender-hearted producer/host who takes an occasional nip from his handy flask (Bob Edes Jr.); a charming blues singer (Troi Bechet) and her equally talented daughter (Idella Johnson); a blonde soubrette (Courtney Boe); and a boyish singer/master of sound effects (Gray Rucker). Classic numbers from the era (The Trolley Song, Blues in the Night, Mairzy Doats, God Bless the Child, Don’t Fence Me In, When You Walk Through a Storm, etc.) are interspersed with comic bits to give the “Songs On Parade” program-within-the-show a period authenticity. There’s some backstage drama to provide the thinnest of storylines and, while it may all be a bit corny, the general tenor is good-natured and the production is thoroughly entertaining. Not surprisingly, given the time frame at hand, On the Air verges on but, fortunately, never succumbs to sentimentality, and Patterson’s ending, if slightly far-fetched, is lovely indeed. Direction by Patterson and Victoria Reed, who also conceived the show with Patterson, nicely fills up Shawn Ramagos’ detailed set and achieves a crackling spontaneity. Costume (Alison Parker and Reed) and hair/wig (Gregory Bonin) design all add to the period feel. The cast of pros endows their archetypical characters with warmth & humanity and, as wonderful as each member of the quintet is, Troi Bechet & Bob Edes Jr. when they all sing toin On the Air gether, their harmonizing is an absolute treat, a throwback to a halcyon epoch of song-spinning. In this wonderful ensemble effort, I hate to single anyone out, but Johnson’s Carmen Miranda-inspired Chattanooga Choo-Choo, in Portuguese no less(!), is an especial delight. Musical Director Tom Hook clearly did his homework to capture flawlessly the ‘40’s style, and Jay Hagen leads the offstage “Hugh Datt and his Mystery Band” with effervescent flair. It’s just a shame we don’t get to see them, not even at the curtain call. Though On the Air runs only 70 minutes, toward the end it does feel a teeny bit padded. But I suppose one can overlook such embellishment if it allows for such songs as Dancing in the Dark, The White Cliffs of Dover, A Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square, etc. On the Air is certainly the perfect destination for a Mother’s Day celebration though I suspect, by the time you’re reading this, it’ll be sold out for this coming Sunday. If you still need a present for Mom, however, a visit to the box office for tickets for some future date might well be in order.
New Orleans Ballet Association at the Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts through May 14
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ne can admire that David Parsons and his Parsons Dance came to the aid of the New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) in the aftermath of Katrina, donating all of their services as the first
company to be presented after the Storm and offering classes to schoolchildren in St. Bernard Parish. And certainly the opening piece on their recent program here, Caught, a signature work from 1982, was a crowd pleaser, a simple idea brilliantly done in which strobe lights combine with dancer Miguel Quinones’ athleticism and artistry to create the illusion that he is floating in space. But what on earth prompted NOBA to present Remember Me, a work that in its New York premiere two years ago was described in Gia Kourlas’ NYTimes review as “blatant and banal” with “histrionic choreography” that’s “more soap opera than rock opera.” And those were some of the kinder things she had to say. I’ll admit, on paper it looked promising (this was before I read that review), a collaboration between Parsons Dance and the East Village Opera Company (EVOC) melding wellknown arias with dance. Just the sort of thing I’d like. The story is a classic love triangle with two brothers (Quinones and Eric Bourne) in love with the same woman (Sarah Braverman) who returns the love of only one of them. Jealousy and death ensue. This could work but Parsons’ choreography mostly seems to rehash modern dance moves of the last twenty years or so, often looking like a wan version of Twyla Tharp’s work in Movin’ Out. There’s lots of lifts and running back’n’forth and, for the women, lots and lots of hair tossing. It certainly was blatant and banal. And I’d add another “b” — boring. As difficult as it is to outdo the mediocrity of the choreography, the vocalists from the EVOC, Annmarie Milazzo and Tyley Ross, managed to do so with the kind of overblown singing that is all showmanship and no art. The two are certainly well-matched. Her Habanera from Carmen is what you’d expect to hear at a tourist trap in Seville with cheap bombast replacing true sensuality. He comes off as an American Idol runner-up now appearing on an upscale cruise ship. Add to this strange, trippily romantic projections that distract from, rather than add to, the presentation and you have a series of cliches that pile up till the very end when the singers intone again and again “Love is everything.” Quinones, Bourne and Braverman certainly do what’s asked of them with skill, but there’s something noxious about having the darker skinned brother (Quinones who created the role) be the one who forces the woman into having seemingly non-consensual sex. (and then killing her? I wasn’t sure.) I realize casting may change but still... Interestingly, some things have changed since the New York presentation. The brothers who had been called
Gintus and Artemis are now Marcus and Luca. Ross used to finish the show repeating the phrase “Remember me.” And rotating discs that had been on either end of the stage have been jettisoned altogether (or was this just because they couldn’t fit in the touring van). Still such changes are like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Remember me? Not if I can help it. NOBA will be presenting more traditional ballet on May 14 with the New Orleans debut of Corella Ballet Castilla y León led by Angel Corella, the Spanish-born star of American Ballet Theatre. In addition to Soleá, a duet created by renowned Spanish flamenco dancer and choreographer María Pagés and performed by Corella and his sister Carmen, the evening will feature DGV: Danse à Grande Vitesse described by the Times’ tough dance critic Alistair Macaulay as “the most accomplished ballet of the many I have now seen from Christopher Wheeldon. The ballet travels unstoppably and brings the audience rightly to its feet.” Now that sounds like something worth remembering!
New Production Dates for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?; Sunday Matinées also added
T
he production dates for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? have changed. Please mark your calendars to reflect the new dates of Friday, May 20 through Sunday, May 29, Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm and Sundays at 4pm. The production will play at The Shadowbox Theatre, 2402 St. Claude Avenue at St. Roch. Silk Dress Productions presents Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee starring Michael Martin, Kathryn Talbot, Giselle Chatelain, Matt Story, and is directed by Jennifer Growden. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 students w/ ID & seniors over 65. Cash at the door. Contact 504.931.8297 or silkdressproductions@gmail.com for reservations. Hors d’oeuvres will be served during two intermissions and is included in the ticket price. There will also be a full cash bar (as it should be – it’s Virginia Woolf!) This production is the second offering of “The Albee Project,” produced by Silk Dress Productions in association with Four Humours Theater. The final chapter of this adventure, Tiny Alice, will be directed by George Patterson in October. Join George and Martha for cocktails, chat, and fun & games! Fresh off its triumphant production of Three Tall Women, Silk Dress Pro[continued on 16]
14 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 10-23 2011 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide• Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
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pensacola dish by Lauren Mitchell E-mail: dishpensacola@aol.com
Hampton Inn on the Beach set as Official Host Hotel & Welcome Center for Memorial Weekend
W
ell everyone that time of year is among us. The whole city is in preparations for the big Memorial Day weekend. Thanks to all of the national news coverage showing our beautiful clean beaches, covering the anniversary of the BP oil spill. Hotel reservations on the beach are going quick, a little birdie of mine told me they are about ninety percent booked. Hampton Inn On The Beach is the Official Host Hotel and Welcome Center. Call now to book your rooms 1.850.932.6800. Event tickets and passes are on sale at MemorialWeekendPensacola.COM. Buy your tickets today at these amazing on-line only prices: Wave, the Beach Party – was $70, now $50, Friday, May 27; Abracadbra – was $100, now $60, Sunday, May 29; Spellbound, After Hours – was $30, now $20; Weekend Pass – a $150 value for only $125 includes Wave, Abracadabra, Sweat @ Emerald City (Saturday Night), and Spellbound; and Emerald City 5-Day Pass – $65 valid for Emerald City only, Thursday through Monday (includes Sweat Saturday night and Monday Drink & Drown).
trodding the boards ...from 14 ductions presents the second installment of “The Albee Project”: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf ?. First produced in New York City in 1962, this caustic classic usually, and rightly, evokes images of a decayed, drunken, tumultuous marriage. But director Growden also regards the piece as an early feminist text. Arising during a period of popular culture when TV screens were dominated by Leave it to Beaver and Father Knows Best, the script digs deep into the damaging effects of traditional, stereotypical gen-
der roles, particularly for women. George fails as breadwinner and lacks motivation; childless Martha is anything but the quintessential homemaker. “Albee’s characters have failed to live up to their socially assigned gender roles. The play shows us how this pursuit has shattered them. It shows us how unrealistic and extraordinarily destructive these roles ultimately are for all of us imperfect human beings,” says Growden. Considered Edward Albee’s masterpiece, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? won both the 1963 Tony Award for Best Play and the 1962-63 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play. Its original Broadway stars,
All tickets may be picked up at Will-Call, please bring your ID. No refunds. Pick up, Will-Call or to purchase tickets and passes start Thursday, May 26. The Official Welcome Center at Hampton Inn On The Beach is open daily 10am to 7pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Will Call may be picked up at Emerald City’s Other Side, 406 E Wright St., downtown Pensacola Thursday, May 26 from 3pm to 8pm. While the rest of the city prepares, I have to do some of my own, besides tanning and dieting for the latest swimsuit fashions, bracing the locals for the storm that is coming. Her name is Bianca Del Rio. My favorite tourist will once again be gracing us with her presence to be our hostess for the weekend. Friday Bitch Bingo of Memorial Day weekend isn’t to be missed, although thanks to pictures I have of her she tends to aim her unique style at others… Thank God for blackmail. On the local front, Emerald City hosted the Mr. Pensacola International pageant on Monday, April 25, a Penny Holliday promotion. There were four wonderful contestants vying for the title. Mr. Amari Hilton from Tampa, Florida walked away with the title. I would love to thank Miss Penny Holliday for putting on such a fabulous event, and looking forward to the next one. The Men of Pensacola Calendar is finally here, produced by our very own Chris Peterson of Drue Christopher promotions and Jesus Neives Photography. The calendar features eighteen wonderful guys who competed on facebook to be chosen for the calendar. In addition to the calendar, Chris is raffling off three of the biggest gift baskets I have seen in years to benefit one of our local non profit organizations. One hundred percent of the raffle proceeds are being donated to Gay Grassroots of Pensacola. One of the baskets will be given away on Friday, May 13 during Bitch Bingo at The Other Side. Stay tuned over the next couple of weeks, I have a few surprises and bits of info to divulge the closer we get to Memorial Day weekend. Uta Hagen and Arthur Hill, won the 1963 Tony Awards for Best Dramatic Actor and Actress. It was also selected for the 1963 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. However, the Pulitzer advisory board objected to the play’s then controversial use of profanity and sexual themes, and overruled the prize committee, ultimately awarding no Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1963. Silk Dress producer Jennifer Growden [director] has been seen locally in Uncle Vanya, I Want Sex All the Time, A Crude Trilogy, and Three Tall Women. She will play the title role in October’s Tiny Alice. Dancer/fight choreographer Giselle Chatelain's [Honey] recent roles include Jo in A Taste of Honey, Charlotte in The Night of the Iguana, and Collette in Brewed. Four Humours founder Michael Martin [George] has portrayed George Wallace, Uncle Vanya, Mona Rogers, J.O. Breeze, Krapp, and The Bachelor in New Orleans. Next he will make his debut in the Shakespeare Festival at Tulane. Trainer Matt Story [Nick] has performed mostly in Baton Rouge, in The Rocky Horror Show, The Elephant Man, Richard III, and The Comedy of Errors. Attorney Kathryn Talbot [Martha] has played leading roles in A Taste of Honey, The Night of the Iguana, and Kennedy’s Children.
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pensacola papar azzi
Always something interesting @ Bitch Bingo
Lloyd & Dustyn keeping everything secure @ Emerald City
Bitch Bingo @ The Other Side
Lori & Josh playing it straight @ Bitch Bingo
Rick, Jon, Jamall, Alex & David @ Emerald City
Good friends @ Emerald City’s Luau party
Mark getting a little tongue for the Kimberlly Caldwell CD release party
Brain keeping it native for Emerald City’s Luau party Good friends for Bitch Bingo @ The Other Side
Showing a little leg for Emerald City’s Luau
Brandon & friends flashing their pearly whites @ Emerald City
Miss Pensacola International 2010 Gisselle Lord Jamall & Jon hanging out @ Emerald City
Brian & Chris serving it up for Bitch Bingo @ The Other Side
Kat & Colleen @ Emerald City
Terry, Steven, Rick & Erick enjoying a little Bitch Bingo @ The Other Side
Mr. Pensacola International 2011 Amari Hilton from Tampa
The lovely ladies of Bitch Bingo @ The Other Side
18 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 10-23 2011 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide• Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
Bingo, Sticks, Lei-d ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell
Nick & Tiffany getting lei-d @ Emerald City’s Luau party
Britton aka Miss Order Of Zeus Nadya always playing with sticks
GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Gay East erParade.COM • May 10-23, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 19
paparazzi
20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 10-23 2011 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide• Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
Over 30,000 Line the Streets of the French Quarter for 12th Gay Easter Parade ~ New Orleans
snap
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ambush
Post-Gay Easter Parade Party hosted @ 700 Club ~ New Orleans
Pre-Gay Easter Parade Party hosted @ Michael’s On The Park ~ New Orleans
papar azzi
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24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 10-23 2011 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide• Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
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An Array of Gelati & Sorbetti including Watermelon, Pistachio, coconut, strawberry, sugar free chocolate, and stracciatella along with gluten free, sugar free, and dairy free @ Little Vic's Gelateria, reopening soon 719 Toulouse St.
chop chop
Glazed 10 oz. Pork Chop with Steen's Cane Syrup & Creole Mustard served with duck fat potatoes & green beans @ The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.
by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
New Orleans Restaurant Guide
Garlic Shrimp Pasta (jumbo shrimp with garlic butter sauce over angel hair pasta) @ Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place
Gourmet Sliders with Onion Rings @ 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy
Custom Breakfast @ Krystal, Bourbon St. @ Canal St.
12 oz. Blackened Ribeye @ Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St.
700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy St., 561.1095, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM, is serving sliders, paninis, quesadillas, and more at the popular club in the French Quarter. Restaurant hours are 7pm til Wed.-Sun. with extended Decadence hours. Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445, is noted for its gumbo, barbeque, pizza, sandwiches and specials serving lunch and dinner. Now under the direction of Executive Chef David Duvall, the restaurant is open 11am-10pm Mon.Tues., Thurs.-Fri.; 9am-10pm Sat.-Sun. with brunch 9am-3pm, closed Wed. MasterCard/ Visa accepted. Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., 412.8965, CafeAmelie.COM, offers romantic courtyard or indoor dining along with both eclectic culinary creations and cocktails. Open Wed.Sat. with lunch 11am-3pm, dinner 6-9pm, Sun. brunch 11-3. Candy Bar, 908 Bourbon, 504.52.CANDY, is a new upscale dessert & specialty food store, open 7 days & weekends 24 hours. Best in desserts, snacks, cheeses, crackers, candies, NY bagels & knishes, po-boys, wraps & sandwiches. PLUS PLUS PLUS many organic, all natural & gluten free items, also DOG TREATS. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM, is open 7 days and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., 945.0742, TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM. The chef has paid attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! Serving 7 days 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. The Decadence Shoppe, 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM is part coffee shop, part cafe, and part bakery. "We take pride doing all our own baking, and you can order your next special treat from us," says owners Matt and Kevin. This little neighborhood place will fulfill your sweet tooth or both your breakfast or lunch cravings in a quiet setting while serving "desserts like Mom use to make". Located across the street by the Armstrong Park arch, the cafe is open Wed.-Sun. 7am - 3pm. The Green Goddess, 307 Exchange Place Alley, 301.3347, GreenGoddessNOLA.COM, opened in May 2009 with a progressive menu that blends New Orleans sensibilities with a globe trotting sampling of ingredients, all emanating from the small open kitchen where chefs Chris DeBarr and Paul Artigues make it happen. Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030. Open 24 hours, it's one of the best stops for fast food with tasty burgers, hot dogs and breakfast. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place, 522.9500 or visit LouisianaPizzaKitchen.COM, is famous for its wood fired gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads and appetizers. Open 7 days from 11am-10pm. Little Vic's Gelateria, 719 Toulouse St., will serve over 40 inventive flavors of gelato, including stracciatella, amaretto, bacio de gama, and limoncello, as well as fresh-made panino, pastries, and Lavazza espresso. Re-opening soon. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746, features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Lunch 11am5pm Thurs.-Mon., Dinner 5pm-10pm 7 days. Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, is located in a beautiful renovated 1809 building offering a pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list with 200 selections, and delicious food including soups, salads, appetizers, entrees and house made desserts that will delight any palate. Open daily at 4pm serving dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5-10:30pm, Fri.-Sat. 5-11pm. Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET, voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year, is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night menu, the deli offers free delivery. Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St., 872.0360, offers Fair Trade gourmet coffees, teas, cupcakes, scones, coffee by the pound, gift baskets, art & merchandise by local artists, stamps & mail box rentals, along with outdoor seating & Wi-Fi. Open 7am10pm daily.
Special Combo Pizza (pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers & black olives with jalapenos & anchovies optional) @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.
Club Sandwich with Zapp's Potato Chips @ The Decadence Shoppe, 806 N. Rampart St.
New Orleans Muffuletta (generous helping of ham, salami, provolone and olive salad) @ Restaurant/Deli of the Year Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St.
Red Velvet Cupcakes @ Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St.
26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 10-23 2011 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide• Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
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big easy
BM IX Tony, Jeff & Marty present Myer-Routh Spirit Award to Princesse Stephaney
Winner of the Most Glamourous Bonnet @ Cutter’s
Bob Boler & co-host GEP Board’s Rona Conners Co-host Tony Leggio wins his own Fireman Bunny Package Who Dat Coffee Café awards Best Newbie Bonnet
The Bunnies flank co-host GEP Board’s Tony Leggio
Larry from Houston wins Best of the Best presented by Ambush
The Betty’s win Best Group @ JohnPaul’s
Jarret Mallon direct from Hairspray sings live
Not to be outdone, EGM XII Elizabeth wins the last Bunny Auction Package for $1,500 Inge & Todd of The Betty’s win Best Couple @ Friendly Bar
Food For Friends’ Glen Kahrman
Chris wins Tallest Bonnet @ Mimi’s
Easter Grand Marshal XII Gary Vandeventer sings live
Winner of the Widest Bonnet @ Big Daddy’s
Dave wins Butchest Bonnet from Jeff @ Phoenix
EGM XII Elizabeth wins French Quarter Suites' Bunny Package
Easter Grand Marshal XII Elizabeth Bouvier cuts a rug with the men & women of Masquerade
David wins Sissiest Bonnet from Kajun’s Pub’s JoAnn
28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 10-23 2011 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide• Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
9th Marigny Bunny Hop led by Bunny Marshal IX Tony Leggio ~ New Orleans
2nd Bunnies In The Big Easy raises $6,790 for Gay Easter Parade & Food For Friends @ Harrah’s Masquerade Club ~ New Orleans
papar azzi
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ambush
4 Seasons’ Brad & Club LAX’s Toby @ 4 Seasons 20th Anniversary
JohnPaul’s John Vignone @ Royal Wedding Crown Reception Oz’s own Tommy Elias & Glenn Fonte ready for Pride’s Greatest Drag Show @ Oz
Divas R Us’ Rikki Redd helps raise $912 for Marcy Marcell’s Grand Send-Off @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern
Paul serves cocktails @ Royal Wedding Crown Reception Jimmy serves up the surf-great crawfish @ 4 Seasons 20th Anniversary weekend
Le Roundup’s Candise, Jessica & Colette donate $200 to Marcy's Grand Send-Off fundraiser @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern
Bar Baron Mike Cookmeyer shows his license for the all-new Michael’s On The Park, 834 N. Rampart
Corynne DeVille lines up Pride’s Greatest Drag Show @ Oz
Princesse Stephaney & Persana Shoulders MC Pride’s Greatest Drag Show @ Oz
Ambush’s Marsha & Rip with Gino New Orleans @ 4 Seasons 20th Anniversary in Metairie
Chuck decides on the turf portion of 4 Seasons 20th Anniversary Surf & Turf Sunday
Cathy, Maybelline, Bootsie, Paul & Tami join Pride’s Greatest Drag Show Paul behind the bar at N. Rampart’s new club, Michael’s On The Park
Princesse Stephaney welcomes you to Michael’s On The Park Tuesdays & Wednesdays
DJ Gage spins for 4 Seasons Anniversary weekend in Metairie
Pride Grand Marshals Chris Leonard & Misti Ates @ Pride’s Greatest Drag Show @ Oz
Jerry aka Big Mama & Mike aka Opal Masters as real men @ 4 Seasons 20th Anniversary
Nicole DuBois is a show stopper @ Parade’s Saturday midnight spotlight performance
Opal Masters & Taylor Stevens catch Nicole’s performance @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 10-23 2011 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide• Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
Fundraisers, Shows, Anniversaries ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Ambush, Devin Black, Darwin Reed
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CANAL STREET
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classifieds
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Slidell, LA [985] OLDE SLIDELL ANTIQUE DISTRICT, First & Erlanger Streets, antique malls, gift shops, doll shop & restaurants, 643.4790, SlidellAntiques.COM
autos Metairie, LA [504] WALKER ACURA, 8951 Veterans Blvd., 464.4004, WalkerAcura.COM
bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWNE PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Baton Rouge, LA [225] CAJUN COVE, 4550 Concord Ave., 246.8317 GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807
GUYS NEEDED, make $100.00 to $300.00 a night as dancers in gay bars, will train, 504.338.4956 [is1011]
body rubs
America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, ambushmag.com; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, marsha@ripandmarsha.com
New Orleans, LA Experience The BODY ELECTRIC, nude rub, erotic, hot oils, full service table, deep tissue, light tissue, body scrubs. In & out calls. CALL AL 214.709.5199 [is1111]
book stores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 Mr. Binky's Boutique, 107 Chartres St., 302.2095 Mr. Binky's Boutique of Harahan, 301 Funston St., 305.2160
RT PA M A R
Lafayette, LA [337] JULES DOWNTOWN, 533 Jefferson, 264.8000 TONIC, 2013 Pinhook Rd., 269.6011 Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457 Metairie, LA [504] 4-SEASONS / PATIO BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, 4seasonsno.com CLUB LAX, 2301 N. Causeway, 834.7979 New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 BOURBON PUB & PARADE, 801 Bourbon St., 529.2107, BourbonPub.COM BYWATER PATIO BAR, 3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 CAFÉ LAFITTE IN EXILE, 901 Bourbon Street 522.8397, Lafittes.COM CORNER POCKET, 940 St. Louis, 568.9829 COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200, CuttersBar.BIZ THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM JOHNPAUL'S, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888, JohnPaulsBar.COM
florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381
framing New Orleans, LA [504] ANGLE CUSTOM FRAMES, 4422 Magazine St., 269.3726
guides
groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416
cable shows
hair salons
New Orleans, LA [504] THE GAR WILLIAMS SHOW, Every Wed. &Sat., 8:30am & 8:30pm, Access Television Channel 99
New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur, 565.5555, salondmalta.com
casinos
FI EL D S
French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
antiques
KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735 LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 MICHAEL'S ON THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 371.5450 OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM SOCIETY PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 299.0156. TUBBY'S GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860, TubbysBar.COM Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921
New Orleans, LA [504] Harrah's New Orleans Casino, Canal @ the River, 800.,HARRAHS
chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is1111]
circuit/events May 26-30, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM Aug. 31-Sept. 5, 40th Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 125,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.COM Oct. 27-30, Halloween 28, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com Dec. 29, 2011-Jan. 3, 2012, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 17-21, 2012, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012, 13th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM
counseling New Orleans, LA [504] DAVID WAGNER, PhD, LPC, Counseling & Psychotherapy, 3001 Fifth St., Metairie, LA 70002; 836.0000
employment New Orleans, LA [504]
insurance New Orleans, LA [504] ALLSTATE: Buckwalter Insurance Group LLC, 2002 20th St., Kenner, 504.469.4800;101 Schexnayder Ln., Destrehan, 985.764.3833
lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, E-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queensize beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking distance to most New Orleans attractions. Several favorite bars are within one block. [0711] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, E-mail us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half-kitchen", courtyard and half-open tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. [0811] FRENCH QUARTER SUITES HOTEL, 1119 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, FrenchQuarterSuites.COM. E-mail us at reservations@bpmhotels.com. Official Host Hotel of Oz New Orleans. One of several French Quarter residences that have been painstakingly restored and transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites, executive townhouses, intimate cottages and comfortable rooms. Adjacent to the French Quarter. Complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. HOTEL LE MARAIS, 717 Conti St., New Orleans, LA, 800.535.9111 or visit
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GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Gay East erParade.COM • May 10-23, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33
NewOrleansHotelCollection.COM, is the newest boutique hotel property in the French Quarter. This sleek, contemporary hotel offers high level service, a “happening” bar, delightful amenities and an inclusive concept that avoids a “nickel and dime” mentality. It features heated saltwater courtyard pool, complimentary daily newspaper, complimentary Wi Fi in all areas and all rooms, complimentary extended continental breakfast, complimentary fitness center, complimentary business center, and complimentary welcome drink. MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.943.7826, Toll Free: 877.247.7599, marignymanorhouse.com, E-mail us at info@MarignyManorHouse.COM. 1840’s Grand Greek Revival guest house, large spacious bedrooms, private baths, antique 4 poster queen beds, wireless internet access, tv/vcr/dvd/cable, telephone, complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. [0112] NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL, 1101 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. E-mail us at reservations@bpmhotels.com. One of several historic New Orleans homes and cottages that have been lovingly restored and converted into beautifully appointed rooms, spacious multibedroom suites, luxury townhouses and cottages. Adjacent to the French Quarter. Complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621
marketing & printing New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812, 586.9817, offering printing and marketing services including web design and hosting. info@sirspeedyneworleans.com, sirspeedyneworleans.com
massage New Orleans, LA [504] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage; heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork & thai massage/bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is1312]
media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161
Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, TuesSun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, TuesSun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm
music New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St., 592.4666
organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/ Leather Club, southernrenegades.com Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org
HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday 12:15pm Solumn Mass, 5pm Praise & Worship, at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, w w w . b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , pastor@bigeasymcc.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, Email: glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons. Monthly meetings, socials and political activism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 70156-
6836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. IN THIS TOGETHER, HIV/AIDS Case Management, 2511 Bayou Road, Suite B, 70119; Office: 504.962.3245, Fax: 504.962.3246; 962.3245, w w w.inthistogetherinc.org, michael@ittnola.org KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, info@kreweofarmeinius.org, kreweofarmeinius.org KREWE OF AMON RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 71665, 70172, Pres. Arthur Alarcon 451.9507, Capt. Bill McCarthy 430.6695, KreweOfPetronius.ORG KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. Email: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LESBIAN & GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS, 2114 Decatur St., 701162013; 945.1103, Fax 945.1102, Email: info@lgccno.net LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70117-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM LOUISIANA STATE GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION (LSGRA), 915.3339, lance@lsgra.com, LSGRA.COM MCLNO HOP Clinic, 136 S. Roman Street, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112; Appts.: 504.903.6959, www.hopclinic.org MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, PO Box 15889, 70115-5889 MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NEW ORLEANS GAY MEN’S CHORUS, 322.7007, nogmc.com; nogmc@aol.com NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, nojazzfest.com NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM N'R Peace, 3201 Gen. DeGaulle Dr., Suite 201, 70114, 364.1950 OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM PEOPLE OF SUBSTANCE, INC. (POS), 7210 Arbor Dr., 70126, 244.1920, posnola.com PFLAG/NO [Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays/ New Orleans], PO Box 15515, 70175; 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, info@pflagno.org PRIDE NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATION: NOLA PRIDE, 2114 Decatur St., 945.1103, NOLAPride.ORG PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609
34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 10-23 2011 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide• Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
REGIONAL AIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 Softball: NOLA SOFTBALL LEAGUE, nolasoftball.com THE COMMUNITY COALITION OF GREATER NEW ORLEANS LGBTQ Organizations & Businesses, tccgno.org, 569.9156 Until It Is OVER, Inc., Executive Director Don S. Evans, Sr., 5837 De Bore Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70126, Phone 504 722 1694, Fax 504 286 5784 VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com WILLIAM J. FANNING FOUNDATION [Buzzy’s Boys & Girls], 2301 Chartres, 70117; 943.8929 Shreveport, LA [318] KREWE OF APOLLO/SHREVEPORT, PO Box 4918, 71134 PHILADELPHIA CENTER, PO Box 44454, 71134-4454; 222.6633 YWCA AIDS MINORITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH, 700 Pierre Ave., 71103; 226.8717
pets New Orleans, LA [504] CHI-WA-WA GA-GA, 511 Dumaine; 581.4242; chiwawagaga.com DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455 FRENCH QUARTER PET ASYLUM, 513 Dumaine St., 302.9845 FRENCH QUARTER VET, 922 Royal St., Office 322.7030, Cell 250.1175, DrScott@TheFrenchQuarterVet.COM
pharmacy New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312
photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] PIPES "R" US PLUMBING, “Let us PEEP in your pipes”, 140 N. Carrollton Ave., Office 504.866.2730, Fax 504.484.0907, PipesRUsNewOrleans.COM RAMSEY PLUMBING, repairs, repipe, sewer & drain cleaning, water heaters, disposals, 296.6865
real estate agents New Orleans, LA [504] FRENCH QUARTER REALTY, Agents: Gary R. Williams 251.2047, Sandy Preston 319.7500; Office 949.5400 PRUDENTIAL GARDNER REALTORS, Agent Brett A. Rector, Cell: 453.2277, Office: 891.6400, brettinla@aol.com
restaurants New Orleans, LA [504] 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ,3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., 412.8965 Candy Bar, 908 Bourbon, 504.52.CANDY Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 The Decadence Shoppe (coffehouse, bakery, cafe), 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM The Green Goddess, 307 Exchange Place Alley, 301.3347, GreenGoddessNOLA.COM Krystal, 116 Bourbon @ Canal, 523.4030 Little Vic's Gelateria, 719 Toulouse St. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.,
522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930 Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St., 872.0360
retail/shopping Metairie, LA [504] SUZETTE'S, 4636 W. Esplanade, 888.7722, Suzettes.COM New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON-STRIP TEASE, 205 Bourbon St., 70130; 581.6633, bourbontease.com THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 711 St. Peter [French Quarter], 525.4372; 5055 Canal St. [Mid City], 488.4889, 712 Adams St. [Uptown], 861.4644, HerbImport.COM LA MINA STERLING, 840 Royal St., 324.3423, laminasterling@gmail.com PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 RAZZLE DAZZLE, the newest sensation in a very old place, 524 Royal St. 568.0001, RazzleDazzle.COM Slidell, LA [985] THE HERB IMPORT COMPANY, 1331 Englewood Dr., 643.8007, HerbImport.COM
spas New Orleans, LA [504] SPA ATLANTIS, 740 Gravier Street, 566.8088, SpaAlantis.NET CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com
theatres New Orleans, LA [504] MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Park, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052 SOUTHERN REP THEATRE, Canal Place, 365 Canal St., 3rd Floor, 522.6545, SouthernRep.COM
websites CRESCENT CITY, CrescentCity.COM GAY AMERICA, GayAmerica.COM GAY BARS, GayBars.COM GAY PENSACOLA, GayPensacola.COM
GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Gay East erParade.COM • May 10-23, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35
acadiana
papar azzi
After a day @ Festival, Ty refreshes himself @ Jules
Chef Tiny doing a demonstration @ Agave for Festival
Local marching band plays tunes for pedestrians @ Festival Brandon & Mario, BFF’s
After a long day @ Festival, Rick can’t help but smile
Big Girl playing beer pong @ Tonic’s C.A.N.
Darren cheering off Festival International
What a pair!
The pictures says it all here Andre & Rick in the full Festival spirit
Is three really a crowd @ Tonic?
Darren at the helm of it all Keith Frank & The Soileau Zydeco Band perform @ Festival NOLA’s own Patrick made it for Festival International
Biscuit singing his infamous “strokin” song
Loan from the NOLA French Consulate, these 3 are Festival icons
Margo, Jonathan & Isabella enjoying Festival International
Miss Mess directing Tonic’s Tuesday Night Talent Show
36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 10-23 2011 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide• Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
Festival International, Club Scene ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Joey Collins
Darius wobbling @ Tonic
After a long Festival day, the crowd goes wild @ Jules
acadiana happens by Joey Collins, Lafayette, Louisiana Email: ejcollins583@gmail.com Twitter: JoeyC_583
O
h my gawd was Festival International de Louisiane amazing, or what? If you were not there then the joke is definitely on you. It’s okay, you can read about it second-hand right here and try and make it next year. Well not really just try because trying is the first step to failure. Next year just get here! Regardless where you were during the past week it was obvious that the temperature is heating up in the South and summer is right around the corner. Here it comes! You’re listening up with Joey Collins.
Recapping Festival
O
nce again, beginning on the very last Wednesday of April and stretching through the end of the weekend, over 300,000 people flocked to downtown Lafayette and embraced the plethora of cultures that this globe has to offer. Musical groups from as far as Africa, South America, and many regions of Europe simultaneously entertained seven stages of dedicated Festival fans. I was lucky enough to spend the festival with great friends and family. We started on the Wednesday night
and it went on to be one non-stop party filled with food, arts, drinks, music, shopping, crafts, unity, and more drinks. Like many others, we spent the majority of the time bouncing from one stage to another. We walked the many tents filled with crafts such as hand-made furniture, wooden musical instruments as well as art work and clothing. We bounced from stage to stage trying to follow the schedule of musicians that we had planned out ahead of time on our iPhone apps. Between all of this we often stopped to have a bite to eat. At times it was at one of the many local downtown restaurants while at other times it was for a quick snack at one of the many food tents. When we were in need of a quick rest and time to chill under some great AC we took the time to soak up a vodka drink at Jules Downtown. More importantly we all did our part in giving back. We made sure to stop by the boutique and purchase a few memorabilia items such as festival shirts and lapel pins. We also purchased many drink tickets. But hey, it’s all going to a good cause. Each purchase goes towards helping to keep this free festival able to happen. Thanks are definitely owed to all festival participants. More importantly, many thanks are owed to those who helped to finance the festival by purchasing items and to the many volunteers who helped to organize and help make festival run very smoothly. Without any of this, none of this would occur.
Bar Spill
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n Saturday, May 21st, Tonic will be presenting its first-ever Spring Fling. Your part host, Brodie Mess, will bring in a performance by Josh Duffy along with special guest Miss Gay America 2006, Nicole DuBois. Beer pong will commence from 4pm to 7pm and the first place winner will receive cash. Performances and partying will begin at 9pm featuring the Boys of Summer strip off. Drink specials will be honored all night long including free shots at midnight. Don’t forget about Tonic’s Happy Hour that occurs each night from Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm to 9pm and offers 2 for 1 wells, wines, and beers. Beer Pong and Customer Appreciation Night is every Monday night with Steven Reed serving up $1 wells, $2 domestics, and $3 premiums. And as always every Tuesday night is Tonic’s Talent Show with your host Miss Brodie Mess. Jules has been packing the house each Thursday night with karaoke host Blake Duhon at the helm. Come out and check out what all the fuss is about. This past Thursday (festival week) was most definitely a night to remember when participants were packed wall to wall and were given a country-musicfree-evening. Sorry, leave your cowboy hat at home for this one. Even if you are a country music fanatic, don’t worry because you are almost guaranteed a very eventful evening. Friday nights alter with Valerie Sugarbaker’s drag show. Saturday night is always the night to get your Jules on! If you ever attend on a Saturday night then you know that you’re expected to Dance, Dance, Dance! Drink specials are called out each night and you always want to make sure that you’re in the bar when you're surprised with free shots on the bar. Don’t forget to stay in the know by following these Facebook groups: Lafayette Lesbians, Lafayette Gay Men, Jules, Ambush, and Tonic. Visit AmbushMag.COM for the most up to date information.
Community Events
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lease join Acadiana CARES on May 15th for their annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial. The memorial and reception will be held at St. Barnabas Church at 400 Camellia Blvd from 5pm to 7pm. Contact Client Services staff at Acadiana CARES at 337.233.2437 for more information. Don’t forget Rick Rowan’s sixth annual Gay Canoe Trip will be on Sunday, June 12th. They will be departing at 7am. For more information you can contact Rick Rowan via Facebook or you may search [continued on 39]
GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Gay East erParade.COM • May 10-23, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37
under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Movie Review: Winter in Wartime
S
ony Pictures Classics has finally released Winter in Wartime in the states. Based on the best seller by Jan Terlouw, Winter in Wartime is a film from the Netherlands by award winning director Martin Koolhoven. This is a touching picture that drew me in almost immediately. The plot centers around thirteen year old Michiel played by the talented Martijn Lakemeier, who is living in a small village in Nazi-occupied Holland. The year is 1945 and as the son of the mayor, Michiel enjoys a good life. Then one day he stumbles on the wreckage of a plane along with his friend Theo and thus is the catalyst for the rest of the story to play out. Soon afterwards, Theo’s older brother Dirk (Mees Peijnenburg ) who is part of the German resistance movement entrusts Michiel with a letter to give to the local blacksmith if something was to happen to him. Nothing goes according to plan and soon Dirk is arrested by the Nazis and the blacksmith is killed. Michiel reads the letter which unwittingly gets him involved in the resistance movement. The missive leads him to Jack, a wounded British soldier from the crashed aircraft played by the super sexy Jamie Campbell Bower. Michiel soon becomes involved in the war as he tries to smuggle Jack out of the country and to safety. But it is not long before the harsh realities of warfare become increasing apparent and Michiel’s entire family is placed in danger. This is definitely a movie not to be missed, the outstanding cast also includes Yorick van Wageningen as
Michiel’s Uncle Ben, Johan Van Beusekom as Michiel’s father and Melody Klaver as Erica, Michiel’s older sister and a nurse. Klaver is wonderful as the vulnerable sister, torn between a burgeoning romance with Jack and her fear for her brother and family. Although, the film dragged at times, it was a solid story with a great cast. Winter in Wartime was awarded the Gouden Griffel’/Golden Calf at the Netherlands Film Festival. Even if you are not a big war movie fan, this film goes beyond those boundaries. It is a well-acted, tight film that captures your attention and heart with the storyline and keeps your interest for the entire film. This is absolutely a large popcorn flick.
Bartender of the Month: May
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his last weekend of April was a commemorative for many reasons; it is the first weekend of Jazz Fest, the Zurich Classic and most of all the 20th anniversary of 4 Seasons of Metairie. I went to their cocktail party and buffet on Saturday night which is where I discovered my bartender of the month for May.
Bartender of the Month Sebastian Even though he is new to the field of bartending, I believe Sebastian will be a superstar at the suburbia watering hole. Working at 4 Seasons for about a month, he already knew his regulars and remembered my face after only meeting me once previously. Now that is an incredible talent. He is perfect for this bar, which caters to a mostly local crowd. He is the right mix of flirtatiousness and professionalism. He has a cute smile, a witty personality and a smoking body, all of which rolls into one to make flawless eye candy for a bar patron. But more than these reasons, Sebastian’s work ethic makes him a standout. The bar at
4 Seasons is long and it can be easy when busy to handle one side and neglect the other, but he managed to work the length of the entire space making sure everyone was quite refreshed with libations. And on a separate note, the atmosphere the entire weekend at 4 Seasons was festive and celebratory. From the opening cocktail party that concluded in a drag show with Coca and Big Mama to the free crawfish boil and steak dinner on Sunday, owners Chuck and Bill laid out the red carpet for their clientele. That is what I call a proper thank you to its patrons. But we should be the ones grateful to them for giving us twenty years of good memories, fun times, and most of all a safe haven in suburbia for the gay community. So make it a point to check out this landmark bar and get a drink form the super sensual Sebastian. 4 Seasons and the Out Back Bar is located at 3229 North Causeway in Metairie.
Gay Krewes Throw Great Events in May
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here are so many things happening in May thanks to the gay carnival krewes producing fun occasions to cater to almost everyone’s needs. There is nothing like an old-fashioned Southern fish fry to start the summer months off right. Amon-Ra is hosting its annual fish fry at Kajun’s Pub on Sunday, May 15 from 1 to 3pm. You can get catfish with all the fixings for only $10 and enjoy the fellowship of great people. Next the Krewe of Petronius is having their annual Cocktails and Crowns party on May 21 at the M Francis Gallery from 7 – 10pm. Become the potentate you always wanted to be as you mix amongst the tiaras and crowns of the members of Petronius’ royalty as well as members from the other krewes. What a great way to pass the time mingling with royalty, enjoying food, free flowing cocktails and a silent auction. For more information or to buy tickets, call 504.701.0631. Tickets are $30 and the gallery is located at 604 Julia Street in the heart of the Warehouse District. The following day, Sunday, May 22, the People of Substance (POS) is hosting their annual POS Idol competition starting at 5pm at JohnPaul’s. If you think you have what it takes to be the ultimate singing star to represent the krewe, come on out and try your luck. Even if you do not sing, this is a great way to see some good talent. The entry fee to participate is $25 and for those spectators there is a $5 donation at the door. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. For more information, call 504.905.3023 or 504.272.1171. And for those theatre queens (and kings) the Krewe of Satyricon is bringing back cabaret legend Karen Akers on Thursday, May 26 at 8pm at Le Chat
Noir. She will be performing songs from her upcoming show beginning in September at the famous Algonquin Hotel. This show will feature the songs of Rodgers and Hart, Irving Berlin, Sondheim and Cole Porter as well as the French language classics we love so much. Tickets are $30. Le Chat Noir is located at 715 St. Charles Ave. For more information, call 504.525.4498.
Are you a Sinner or Saint?
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ew Orleans is preparing for the 9th annual Saints and Sinners Literary Festival taking place March 12 – 14. The festival this year promises to be the best one yet, complete with readings from the top LGBT authors, thought provoking panel discussions and inspiring Master Classes. The line-up this year boasts a who’s who in the LGBT literary world. Not only will your favorite writers be there, but budding novelists, playwrights and poets will have a chance to actually get their work in front of the people who can get them published. I have been for the last few years and I have to say this is probably one of the best conferences this city has to offer. As a writer, I am always trying to learn more about my craft and this affords me that opportunity. The speakers are very approachable in an extremely relaxed atmosphere. You can mix with them at one of the social functions or hear them at any of the many readings they are doing throughout the entire conference. Some of your favorite authors this year will include New Orleans’ own Bryan Batt, J.M. Redmann, Julie Smith and Greg Herren as well as a host of literati from around the world. To find out more information or about tickets, go to www.sasf.org.
Sneak Peek
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was very lucky over Jazz Fest weekend to get invited to the sneak peek of the I Club, which is the brand new members only club located in the JW Marriott on Canal Street. On Friday April 29, they offered special celebrity festival goers and locals a chance to experience a taste of the new venue at an up close and personal concert with Wyclef Jean benefitting Haiti. Earlier in the day, Jean opened the Friday’s Congo Square concert. Jean, who established himself as a politically aware pop star in New York in the 1990s first with the Fugees then as a solo performer, recently ran for president of Haiti in 2010. He had lived in the island nation as a child, but unfortunately could not qualify as a candidate because of residency requirements. That night’s concert was a fundraiser to help build libraries in Haiti, [continued on 39]
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under the gaydar ...from 38 which was devastated by an earthquake in 2010 that left hundreds of thousands of people dead. Other special guests on hand that night was CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien and New Orleans celebrity trumpeter Irvin Mayfield who joined Jean on stage at one point of the night. Mayfield, who is the brainchild and name behind the I Club, has been a stalwart advocate of the city and its cultural attributes. With the already popular Irvin Mayfield Jazz Playhouse located in the Royal Sonesta, the I Club will surely become a trendy addition to the musical landscape in New Orleans when it opens to the public in June. For more information on the I Club, the Jazz Playhouse and other Irvin Mayfield endeavors, go to www.irvinmayfield.com.
Another Banner Easter
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aster has come and gone and it was just another incredible year. The holiday is slowly becoming one of the most talked about events this city has to offer. For me the Easter weekend was a blur of events, parties and parades. Let’s start with the party that Rona Conners and I hosted for the Gay Easter Parade on Good Friday at Masquerade in Harrah’s Casino. This party was beyond sexy, from the gorgeous
2011 Bunny Boys to Taryn, an actual Playboy Bunny that was on hand for the event. Add to this an impressive live auction, food and drink in a chic atmosphere and you have the makings of a party the gay community has not experienced in a while. All of the tickets were sold out to the event and it was a great way to visit with people in a new atmosphere. We even had a special live auction that included the 2011 Bunny Boys. You actually were able to bid on the men for a dinner date, but you not only got the boy, you received a gift certificate to the restaurant as well as a special basket (no pun intended) of goodies. The sale of the three Bunny Boys raked in $2,100 for the cause. The 2nd Bunnies In The Big Easy raised $6,790 for the parade and Food For Friends. The smoking hot DJ Tony Wilson kept the music pumping with fun dance tunes into the night. It was a remarkable evening all around and the night culminated with an upbeat dance number by the men and women of Masquerade who transitioned the night into a Harrah’s first LGBT night. There was even media from around the country here for a fam tour sponsored by Harrah’s who were brought to the city to cover the holiday weekend for the respective media outlets. As hosts, Rona and I would like to thank Harrah’s Casino who sponsored the food, beer
and wine, Martini and Rossi Champagne, Level 42 Vodka, and all of the donors for our live auction. A special nod of appreciation goes to Paperdoll Promotions who gave us our Playboy Bunny Taryn and the 2011 Bunny Boys, Jared, Chase and Cameron. You guys were the best. Since there was no rest for me this weekend, I pushed forward into Saturday where I was Bunny Marshal IX at the 9th annual Marigny Bunny Hop. OMG, this was such a blast. First I was honored to be chosen to lead this rollicking crew of partiers through the streets of the Marigny. We went to eight different businesses giving out awards for the best bonnet in each category and I got to emcee the entire thing as well as lead the parade. I even met a hot little piece of man meat named Patrick who joined me along the way for some of the hop. I was a bad bunny, but being bad never felt so good. This is truly one of the best events during the Easter weekend, so if you missed it make sure you are a part of the fun next year. I partied way into the night, then laid myself down for a very busy Sunday. Sunday was here before I knew it. I was up and met my friends Larry and David who flew in from New York for the weekend for the festivities. I met them three Easters ago and we have been fast friends ever since then, and
acadiana happens ...from 37 for the public event on Facebook as well.
Closing Out
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t’s getting hot in here! Wait, don’t take off your clothes just yet. Please make sure you’re well-groomed and tanned. Just saying, I mean some of us didn’t look so good out there during festival. But it’s still spring so we shall let it slide. Just joshing with you, or am I? Let’s keep the party going, Lafayette. I will see you this summer!
now they come down every year. We started the day off at Easter Grand Marshal Elizabeth Bouvier’s house where she had a drag dressing brunch. My friends and I got to see the likes of Elizabeth Bouvier, Tami Tarmac, Cathy Fox and Little Debbie get made up. We were also joined by Maybelline Mascara and Gizelle Bouvier for the occasion. Talk about an interesting idea for a brunch. Have some quiche and watch as these men get transformed into their glamorous alter egos. After brunch we were off to the parade. I had a carriage of eighteen that was quite the mix of riders. I was [continued on 40]
GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Gay East erParade.COM • May 10-23, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 39
under the gaydar ...from 39 very fortunate to have an interesting assortment of friends aboard that covered my work, personal and krewe life as we enjoyed a marvelous ride through the streets of the French Quarter. Both Mike’s on the Park and the 700 Club put out superb spreads for the pre and post receptions. I never expected all those years ago as a child doing Easter Egg Hunts, that years later I would be part of a board that put on one of the largest Gay Easter events in the country. Life is funny and with the addition of drag queens, it is definitely more colorful. So now Easter has become one of my favorite holidays. I enjoyed a delicious brunch, a thrilling parade and fantastic before and after parties with some of my best friends. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate the holiday. Unfortunately, I believe I was over-served that evening, so if anyone has any photos of me in a compromising position, remember my saying, if I can’t remember it then it did not happen. I hope everyone had an outstanding holiday. And on a special note, to my dear Co-Easter Grand Marshal X, I hope you were staring down at us from above and smiling. I missed you my dear Marcy Marcel.
Interview: Alan Mingo, Jr.
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have loved the Broadway shows so far at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre and cannot wait for the final show of the 2010/2011 season. An entirely new musical, SHREK THE MUSICAL is based on the story and characters from William Steig’s book Shrek!, as well as the DreamWorks Animation film Shrek, the first chapter of the Shrek movie series. SHREK THE MUSICAL features a book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole), music by Olivier Award-winner Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Caroline, or Change), and is directed by Tony Award nominee Jason Moore (Avenue Q) and Tony and Emmy Award-winner Rob Ashford (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Promises Promises). The premise of the musical is the same as the movie telling the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing adventure to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wisecracking donkey, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon, rescues a feisty princess and learns that real friendship and true love aren’t only found in fairy tales. The donkey is played by the exceptionally talented Alan Mingo, Jr. who I recently got a chance to interview before he arrives in the Big Easy. Alan starred as Seaweed in the 1st national tour of Hairspray and Simba in the 1st national and L.A. companies of The
Lion King. Before joining Rent on Broadway as Tom Collins, Mingo staged, choreographed and performed in the Italian version, and performed in the 1st and 2nd national companies. TL: We all know the movie Shrek; would you tell us a little about the musical? AM: SHREK is really a musical comedy with zany and wacky antics throughout. It relates to kids, but there is enough bawdiness and inside jokes that adults will be able to catch. It is heavily influenced in comedy and it gives several funny nods to other musicals. TL: You are a donkey for the entire show. How easy is it to be in the suit? AM: Everyone thinks it is fur I am wearing, but it is actually suede leather body suit with swatches of fur. It is very functional and not constricting and since I am on stage most of the show, I do not take anything off, so I had to have special water bottle made for me. But it was definitely an adjustment. TL: How long have you been with the show? AM: I made one year this May. TL: Have you ever been to New Orleans before and if so what are your favorite things to do here? AM: Yes, I have been down here with the touring company of Hairspray. And many years ago, I worked at the Isle of Capri in Biloxi so I made the drive over often. I love the French Quarter; it is the heart of everything. I enjoy partaking in the libations as well as the food and the architecture. I especially remember two hot bars across the street from each other; I will definitely make it down to them. TL: You mean Oz and the Pub. They are still hopping and you have more choices now to pick from. Where are you from originally? AM: I am from Maryland, right outside DC, then I moved out to California, where I went to the University of California in Irvine. TL: Do you enjoy doing a show on Broadway or a touring one? AM: I love Broadway, and there is something to be said about sleeping in your own bed every night. But usually the theatres on Broadway are smaller than the ones on the road. We get to
perform at some majestic places where we are not crammed backstage. Also it is always nice performing to different audiences. TL: How so? AM: It is quite surprising that the supposedly more progressive cities do not warm up to the show as fast. It takes them a while to participate, and with us the show gets better if the crowd is into it. And we also change the jokes slightly to the region we are in. We feed off the energy of the audience. We do crazy stuff and add local jokes, so we are always changing our pace to accommodate this. TL: In the movie, the donkey gets knocked around a lot and does a lot of dancing, was this physically challenging for you? AM: I am doing more dancing and movement than I thought I would. The part of donkey is such an iconic role after being played by Eddie Murphy; that you have to be really into it. I do a lot of running and jumping so Red Bull is my friend. TL: What do you like best about the show? AM: I love the scene where Fiona dances with the Pied Piper’s rats. But the most fun I have is just saying off the wall stuff as donkey. He seems to get away with everything and people still love him. Well after speaking with Alan, I know this show will be a huge success here. SHREK THE MUSICAL is playing at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre from Tuesday, May 31 through Sunday, June 5. Tickets are now on sale for $25 and up. To buy tickets, call the box office at 504.287.0351or 1.800.745.3000.
Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom
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veryone tells a little white lie sometimes. It is just the polite thing to do in some cases. Does this dress make me look fat, or do you think I am too old to wear this shirt. Leave the hard truths to a person’s best friend to tell them. You never want to hurt anyone’s feelings unnecessarily. But recently someone lied to me and I have to admit, it was somewhat upsetting. I am not so much mad about the fact that he had to back out of something he committed to earlier, stuff happens, you over extend yourself , or something comes up you forgot about, or hell you get a better offer, I get that. But tell me the truth; do not make up a lie especially about a death in the family. Lesson one, if you are going to lie about something, make sure you follow up your fib completely. Did he not realize I am friends with him on Facebook, I mean really. This person made it sound like it was such a bad time for him, having terrible hardships with his family, when he really just went out of town with his boyfriend.
Maybe someone did die in his family, but he was not all that broken up about it and to use this as an excuse is just bad form and really unhealthy karma. So lesson two, once you get caught in the lie come clean and apologize immediately. Even if you have to lie again, do it and act like you mean it. This is your shot at redemption; if you do not do this your credibility with the person you are lying to will be gone. Lying shows a lack of two things, courage and character, both are traits that once lost are hard to get back in other people’s eyes. Believe me, I am not totally innocent in this realm, when he told me afterwards that he wants to help me with any other project coming up. I lied when I said of course I will call you. Hey, no one is perfect. If you would like your event mentioned in my article, or have something of interest, please email me at tonymgp@hotmail.com.
obituaries Richard (Ricky) Taconi
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ichard (Ricky) Taconi was born in Biloxi, MS on June 30, 1955. He peacefully passed away in his sleep Easter Sunday (4/24/11) at his home in Houston. Proceeded in death by his loving parents, Ray H. Taconi, Sr. and Marlene J. Taconi., he is survived by brother Ray H. Taconi Jr. of Saucier, MS, sister-inlaw Carla Taconi of Saucier, MS, two sisters Camille Taconi of Vancleave, MS, and Tina Taconi of Ocean Springs, MS, two nephews, six nieces, three great nephews, four great nieces and countless friends from his creative and very colorful life here on Earth. He was a very loyal, devoted, passionate caring man, which showed in his love for music, deejaying, and his insatiable appetite for holidays and decorating for them. He also was an avid gardener, being responsible for maintain-
ing all vegetation at JR’s Bar & Grill. Ricky came to work for Charles Armstrong Investments (Montrose Mining Company, JR’s Bar & Grill, South Beach and Meteor) as DJ/VJ for the company since May of 2001. Ricky [continued on 41]
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out & about in mobile by Bob Brunson Email: bobbrunson@mchsi.com
M
obile Alabama Pride Committee put on a great gay pride festival this year. It started off with the Mr. and Miss Gay Pride Pageant hosted at B-Bob’s and they went through the paces with seven contestants. Last years Miss Gay Pride 2010 Jawakatema Davenport passed on her crown to the 2011 Miss Gay Pride Camille Davenport Sherrington and the newly crowned Mr. Gay Pride is Tyler Dupree. On Monday night they had Pride Bowling at the Florida Bowling Lanes which is about to close down. Unbelievable... that bowling alley has been there for over 50 years and it’s such a shame to see them close. The Mobile Alabama Pride Bowling League has been one of the largest sponsors of Mobile Alabama Pride for many years and hopefully they will be able to secure a new bowling alley to host the league so that they will be able to
continue bowling on Monday nights to raise money for Mobile Alabama Pride. On Tuesday Gabriel’s hosted the Pride Out Loud Seminar where the adorable Nathan Manske, creator of ImFromDriftwood.com was the guest speaker. He then stopped over to BBob’s to play a little bingo where I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to meet him. We asked him to say a few words to the crowd and he did. One of these days I will learn not to ask about grindr encounters when my Mom is in the audience... even though it was still hilarious. The VIP Kick-Off party was hosted by the Pride Committee at the Historical Downtown Mobile Holiday Inn with the hilarious Kevin J. Thornton on Friday night. Unfortunately I was unable to make it to this event but again I had the opportunity to meet this charming gentleman at B-Bob’s and he was quite hilarious even off stage. I was told that
baton rouge 5th Baton Rouge Pride Fest set for June 25
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lans are in place for a great celebration when the fifth annual Baton Rouge Pride Fest takes place June 25. This year’s events will be from noon until 6pm inside the Belle of Baton Rouge Atrium at 102 France Street
obituaries ...from 40 created his Leather & Feather parties at South Beach, which stemmed from his coming from New Orleans, where he had been a DJ at several clubs in that city for countless years. Please help honor this great man on Saturday, May 14 at 3pm at South Beach Nightclub (Houston, TX) where he created some of his lavish decorations. What a very fitting send-off to our friend Ricky, followed by a balloon release in the Montrose Mining Company parking lot - his home away from home.
Peter Alexander Tiskus
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eter Alexander Tiskus, 60 of New Orleans died peacefully Sunday, May 1, 2011 at his beautiful “Painted Lady’s” home in the Marigny. Peter was predeceased by his loving partner Ralph Marchetti of 21 years as well as his parents of Brighton, MA where Peter was born. He will be dearly missed by his
in downtown Baton Rouge, and there’s a great lineup for the community resource fair and an entire afternoon of entertainment. “The 2011 Baton Rouge Pride Fest will be another great event for everyone,” said Tom Merrill, chair of the Pride Fest team. “People loved being inside the Atrium last year, since they Aunt Josephine and Uncle Jerry Coughlin whom he enjoyed visiting with on their many road trips across country in their RV. He will also be sorely missed by cousins Debra Falco, Doug, Christine and Greg Coughlin all of Boston, MA, as well as his close friends Orlin, Jack, Michael, Barry, Fred and many others. Peter was a graduate of Harvard University and devoted employee of Louisiana State University Health Science Center as a grant administrator. Peter and Ralph loved New Orleans and were often seen pushing their purple K& B shopping cart down the street with their late dog Marigny dressed up in fashions designed by Ralph. Peter enjoyed supporting the Gay Mardi Gras Krewes by attending their charity events and participating in the Grand Balls of Mardi Gras season. They took great pride in their home which was featured in several ad campaigns in local publications. A Memorial Service was held Saturday, May 7 at JohnPaul’s. Donations can be made to the Louisiana SPCA.
the event was fabulous! On Saturday the festival started in beautiful downtown Mobile’s Historic Bienville Square. The weather was incredible and the turn out was great. All types of vendor booths were scattered about the park with a wonderful stage filled with great entertainment all day. The Port City Men’s Chorus kicked off the stage with the National Anthem followed by Mr. and Miss Gay Pride, the very talented drag performer Tori Mattison, then highlighted by the soulful vocals of Lola Gulley and her band... which by the way was the band that didn’t want to stop playing even after Lola left the stage for 15 minutes, then on to the incredible Brian Kent who got the crowd dancing with his high n’rgy version of Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin and his newest single Breathe Life. To close out the day the awesome duo Goddess and She returned to Mobile and once again put on a great show. The Pride Parade kicked off at 2:30pm with an array of colorful floats, convertibles, and walking contingents showing their pride. The theme was Pride Around The World and the winner of this years’ award went to the Cornerstone MCC Church. They had quite the crowd in their walking continhave the benefit of enjoying the sunshine and the air conditioning. “We’ve got a great lineup of entertainment and some special guests, as well as the community resource fair that serves as our centerpiece each year.” Organizers have invited back all 50-plus nonprofit organizations, groups and businesses that participated in last year’s community resource fair, and they’re seeking any others interested in participating. Entertainment for the event includes New Orleans pop/rock artist Josh Duffy, who has performed at Pride celebrations from Houston to Rhode Island and received nationwide acclaim as a leading GLBT singer-songwriter. In addition, Baton Rouge’s own legendary diva Daphne MuShatt is returning this year with her sister singers recently dubbed Grown Ass Women, and the lineup will be rounded out by Baton Rouge’s Krewe of Divas and the New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus. The events also will include the traditional blessing of relationships conducted by Metropolitan Community Church of Baton Rouge pastor, Rev. Keith Mozingo, and other supportive clergy members, as well as the recognition of a long-serving community leader as this year’s grand marshal of pride. For more details on the events, visit www.BRPrideFest.com. To volunteer to help with planning or to find out ways your group or organization can become involved, visit that site or phone 225.907.5251 or e-mail BRPride@bellsouth.net.
gent carrying banners, flags and signs with names of countries from around the world. It was very cleverly done. They won 3 of the 4 awards given out this year and the other winner was the Midtown Pub. No matter what the judges say, I think everyone did a great job with their floats and kudos go out to everyone for showing up, signing up, and showing your pride in the parade. All of your efforts are extremely commendable as it takes everyone to make this event happen so each and every one of you should be extremely proud. The Pride Board of Directors, all of the volunteers, and especially the sponsors should also take great pride in putting together and funding this fabulous event. The event ended on Sunday with another day of great entertainment in the park and the yearly volleyball tournament with the first place trophy going to one of the two teams from Bacchus. Congratulations go out to Board President Jennifer Autry and to Board Vice President Josh Wallce for a great two year term. Also special congratulations go out to Board Treasurer Jerry Ehlen (owner of B-Bob’s), who has served on the Pride Board for seven years now in the capacity of Treasurer, President, and Vice President and has also served on the Pride Bowling League board for many years. Jerry has been a great source of information to the board with a wealth of knowledge of past and present pride festivals and events as well as being one of the largest sponsors of Mobile Alabama Pride. Mobile is moving on now from Pride to a summer filled with loads of fun. B-Bob’s will have dancing and shows with special guests throughout the summer and will be starting back their Friday Night Drinkin with Lincoln real soon. They will also be starting a 10 week long Friday night B-Bob’s Drag Idol Contest starting in June. Gabriel’s patio is now open on Saturday night midnight till dawn with DJ Kenny spinning and dancing till dawn. Karaoke is still kickin’ on Friday nights and other happenings throughout the week. And keep in mind Memorial Day Weekend is just around the corner!!! Mary Pappas and B-Bob’s will be hosting two incredible circuit parties on Friday and Saturday, May 27th and 28th at Castaway’s on Pensacola Beach with circuit DJ’s The Perry Twins and Kimberly S. and International Recording Artists Abigail and Kristine W. There will also be 8pm drag shows kicking off the Friday and Saturday night parties with Asian Goddess Regine Phillips, the Black Beauty of Dance Jawakatema Davenport and the Goddess of Seduction Bianca Nicole. From 6pm till 10pm you will hear the sounds of B-Bob’s house DJ, DJ Chromatic spinning into the sunset! Get your tickets online at PensacolaBeachBash.com.
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mobile
papar azzi
Midtown Pub Float Pride President Jennifer Autry & Pride Treasurer Jerry Ehlen in the park
Miss B-Bob’s Jawakatema Davenport
Miss Cie’s 30 Year Anniversary Pride Ride Andreas & Jerry Grady aboard the B-Bob’s Float
Judson & Jerry hanging out @ the Festival King David of Osiris
B-Bob’s 2011 Pride Float
Pride President & the First Lady
Krewe of Phoenix Royalty
Cornerstone MCC Parade Contingent
Bob Brunson & Recording Artist Brian Kent Southern Renegades Firetruck Float
Bob with Lola Gully backstage @ Pride 2011
Venus & the Boys @ 2011 Pride Festival
Mel & Alexa lead off the motorcycle contingent in 2011 Pride Parade
Stevie & the Jager Dog
Jackson, Mississippi’s Tori Matheson performs for Mobile Gay Pride
New Orleans very own DJ Tim Pflueger rocks the house @ BBob’s for Gay Pride
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Gay Pride ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John
Carl Eccles @ Pride Festival 2011
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big easy
papar azzi
Kajun’s Pub’s JoAnn & Lisa join Deja raising $2,329.25 for Marcy Marcell’s Grand Send-Off @ Kajun’s Pub
Club LAX’s Marcy Marcell Grand Send-off fundraiser brought out Princesse Stephaney & Eva Las Vegas
Miss Vieux Carre’ America winner Yay-sha Alexander 17th Miss Trailer Park winner Delicious
17th Trailer Park Beauty Pageant MCs Rikki Gee & Barbara Ella @ Good Friends Bar
Trailer Park 1st Runner-up Lady Hagatha
Miss Vieux Carre’ America 1st Altenate Valerie Sugarbaker
Blake, Woggie & Alan servin’ up cocktails @ Oz Ginger joins Deja Deja-Vue’ @ Marcy Marcell Grand Send-off fundraiser
Appletini’s Stephanie & Dee join Icon’s Electra & Tittie raising $400 for Marcy Marcell’s Grand SendOff @ Club LAX
Starr Daniels & Regina Adams join Club LAX’s Marcy Marcell Grand Send-Off fundraiser
Miss Vieux Carre’ America contestant Aubrey Sinclair
Miss Trailer Park 16 Tutu Sugarich
Miss Trailer Park contestant Fancy Couche’
Miss Trailer Park 2nd Runner-up Little MM
SDGM Julian Artressia & Paloma @ Miss Vieux Carre’ America Pageant @ the Parade
Miss Vieux Carre’ America contestant Ambrosia McNeil
1st Alternate Valerie Sugarbaker & Miss Vieux Carre’ America Yay-sha Alexander will now compete in Miss Gay Louisiana America
Miss Vieux Carre’ America Tami Tarmac gave up her crown @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
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Fundraisers & Pageants ~ New Orleans, Metairie
The stars @ Kajun’s Pub’s Marcy Marcell Grand Send-Off fundraiser
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The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William & Princess Catherine & the Wedding Party
King Petronius L Jimmy de Blanc & Queen Petronius XLIX Randy Chauvin
King Satyricon IX Kent Roby
Queen Amon-Ra XLVI Tami Tarmac & King Amon-Ra XLIII Paul Davis
Party Hosts King Cake Queen XV Marsha & her King Rip
King Amon-Ra XLVI Jerry Scavo, past King Amon-Ra Kenny Walker & Michael McDonald
Past Queen Amon-Ra Safonda Peters & Stuart Nettles
Playboy Bunny Reject Robert Cook & Amon-Ra Capt. John Zeringue
Lord King & Consort XXVIII Ben Bourgeois & Pat Johnson Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2010 Cathy Fox & Past Amon-Ra Capt. Barry Rutherford
King Cake Queen XVII Opal Masters & past King Amon-Ra Darwin Reed
King Cake Queen XIV Princesse Stephaney & Sam
King & Queen Mwindo XIII Reuben Filmore & Dennis Walton
Karen & Gene Riggleman
Satyricon Captain Tony Leggio & Drag Ambassador Barbara Ella
Queen Amon-Ra XLIV Rhonda & David Roget
Michael, King Armeinius XLIII Timothy, Capt. Bruce, King Armeinius XXXIII Nick, Mark & King Armeinius XXXV Rick
Brent, KCQ XVII Opal, KCQ XIV Princesse, Queen Petronius L Bootsie, Queen Satyricon IX Brian & Queen Amon-Ra XLVI Tami
Jim May & Amon-Ra Miss America Deja Deja-Vue’
Lord King XXVI & Lords of Leather Capt. Gary Vandeventer
46 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 10-23 2011 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide• Sout her nDec adenc e.COM
@ Upper Level Private Apartments of Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain in the Ambush Mansion ~ New Orleans
Royal Wedding Crown Reception Celebrating the Marriage of HRH Prince William& Princess Catherine hosted by King Cake Queen Royalty Club
ambush
papar azzi
GayMardiGras.COM • GayNew Orleans.COM • Gay East erParade.COM • May 10-23, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 47
48 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • May 10-23 2011 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide• Sout her nDec adenc e.COM